In pictures: Rapid thaw after Arctic weather’s snow and ice

BBC Scotland weather presenter Gillian Smart the mild conditions could linger for a few days more.

She said: “We have low pressure to the north of Scotland and an area of high pressure centred to the south, which sets up a pattern of south westerly winds.

“After the Arctic plunge of last week, this wind direction has brought much milder air our way, lifting temperatures in parts of northern Scotland almost 30 degrees in just a couple of days.”

Gillian added: “It’ll remain relatively mild through the rest of this week, but there’s uncertainty over next week’s forecast.

“Some models are suggesting a return to wetter and windier weather.”